Starting a new role at Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center means long shifts, changing hours, and precious time off. A short, predictable commute can change your day, especially when you are on call or heading home at night. If you want a home within about 15 minutes of campus, you have several good options, each with tradeoffs in cost, convenience, and traffic.
In this guide, you will learn which nearby neighborhoods tend to meet the 15-minute goal, what commute routes and traffic patterns to expect, and how to choose housing that fits a clinical schedule. You will also get a quick checklist for tours and tips to verify real drive times. Let’s dive in.
What a 15-minute commute means in Hershey
A 15-minute drive in suburban central Pennsylvania usually covers 5 to 12 miles in off-peak conditions. Around Hershey, this can include parts of Derry Township, Hummelstown, Palmyra, sections of eastern Harrisburg suburbs, and parts of Middletown or Lower Swatara Township.
Drive times change with hour, weather, roadwork, and events. Morning and afternoon peaks, school traffic, and hospital shift changes often add minutes. Off-peak trips late at night or early morning are usually faster. When mapping, use the medical campus address at 500 University Drive, Hershey, PA as your anchor.
Key routes you will use include US 322, PA 39, and PA 743, plus University Drive and Hersheypark Drive for campus access. Regional connectors I 81 and I 283 help if you are coming from farther out.
Best areas within about 15 minutes
Below are nearby areas many medical staff choose for short commutes. Actual times vary by address and hour, so test your route during your shift windows.
Hershey (Derry Township)
Hershey offers a mix of single-family homes, duplexes, townhomes, condos, and apartment buildings. Historic streets near Chocolate Avenue have older, walkable homes. Newer townhouse communities and condos also exist.
Commutes are often under 10 minutes and some locations are bikeable. Many streets connect directly to University Drive or Hersheypark Drive. Downtown Hershey has retail and dining on Chocolate Avenue, multiple groceries, pharmacies, cafes, parks and trails, and fitness options.
What you may like: very short commutes, late-night convenience, and strong walkability near downtown. Consider that demand can be high and pricing may reflect the location.
Hummelstown
Hummelstown sits just southwest of Hershey with a small, historic downtown and nearby residential streets. Housing includes predominantly single-family homes with some townhouses and apartments at the borough edges.
You can reach campus via PA 39, PA 743, and local connectors. Off-peak drive times are typically short. The area blends suburban quiet with quick access to Hershey amenities.
What you may like: practical drive times and a variety of housing styles. Watch traffic on PA 39 and local arterials during morning and afternoon peaks.
Palmyra
Palmyra lies east of Hershey. You will find single-family homes, some townhouses, apartments, and growing developments on the outskirts. It can be a good value play while staying close to Hershey.
Your route will likely use US 322 or local roads into Hershey. Some Palmyra addresses meet the 15-minute goal, while others run longer, especially at peak hours. Test your route at your actual commute times.
What you may like: wider housing choices and potential affordability while staying near Hershey. Confirm peak-hour travel times before you commit.
Eastern Harrisburg suburbs, including Colonial Park, Paxtang, and Linglestown
These suburbs northwest and west of Hershey offer a broad mix of older single-family homes, rowhomes, apartments, and townhouses. Colonial Park in particular has strong retail corridors with grocery and chain stores.
You will often use I 83 and local arterials to reach Hershey. In low traffic, certain pockets can be around 15 minutes, but peak hours usually add time.
What you may like: more apartment and condo inventory and a range of price points. Expect heavier rush-hour traffic toward Hershey and verify drive-time reliability by neighborhood.
Middletown and Lower Swatara Township
These areas sit southeast and north of Hershey depending on your route. Housing includes suburban single-family neighborhoods with some townhomes and apartments.
Routes may use PA 230 and US 322. Many addresses sit near the 15-minute threshold. Drive times depend on your origin, time of day, and road conditions.
What you may like: practical for commuters approaching from eastern corridors. Confirm times during shift changes to avoid surprises.
Quick selection tips
- For the most consistent under-15-minute drives, start with central Hershey and Hummelstown.
- For more choice and potential savings, explore Palmyra, Colonial Park, or select areas of Middletown and Lower Swatara, then verify drive times at your shift hours.
- Always test routes from an exact address at the exact times you plan to commute.
Housing options that fit clinical schedules
Early-career clinicians often prioritize short drive times, reliable parking, flexible leases, and quick access to groceries and pharmacies. If you are moving from out of state or juggling rotations, plan for options that limit hassle.
Common choices near Hershey include:
- Short-term or furnished rentals. These are useful for residents and fellows arriving for limited assignments. Check local property managers or extended-stay options.
- Traditional apartments or condos. Amenity packages and maintenance can simplify life during demanding schedules, and many complexes offer 12-month or shorter leases.
- Single-family homes or townhomes. These work well if you want more space or have household needs that point to longer-term living.
- Employer-affiliated leads. Some hospitals and medical schools coordinate housing resources or maintain local lists. Contact Penn State Health Human Resources or the Graduate Medical Education office to ask what is available.
Tour checklist for medical staff
Bring this quick list when you tour or evaluate a unit:
- Ask about late-night building access, exterior lighting, and any security features.
- Confirm parking type, permit fees, and snow removal details for winter.
- Review lease length, renewal, and subletting or pet policies.
- Check cellphone coverage inside the unit and in the parking area.
- Locate the nearest grocery and pharmacy with extended or 24-hour hours. Giant, Weis, and Wegmans are in the broader area, and pharmacies like CVS, Rite Aid, and Walgreens are common.
- If you plan to buy, run drive-time checks at 6 to 8 am, 6 to 8 pm, and around midnight to understand commute variability by shift.
Commute strategies for shift work
Traffic around Hershey follows daily and seasonal patterns:
- Morning and evening peaks, roughly 7 to 9 am and 4 to 6 pm, affect US 322, PA 39, PA 743, and I 83.
- Hospital shift changes around 7 am and 7 pm add localized congestion that can overlap with standard rush hour.
- School traffic affects local arterials on weekdays.
- Seasonal crowds for Hersheypark, concerts, and festivals increase congestion on Hersheypark Drive and Chocolate Avenue.
How to shorten your time in the car
- Time your test drives. Use live navigation during your actual commute windows, like 5:30 am, 6:45 am, 7:15 pm, and midnight, to see typical delays.
- Keep an alternate route. Learn local streets in case of closures or event traffic. Local knowledge can save a few minutes.
- Consider proximity if you are often on call. Living a little closer can reduce stress when minutes matter.
- Think about bikeability. Some close-in Hershey neighborhoods are bike-commutable depending on weather, lighting, and your schedule. Evaluate road safety for your route.
Parking and transit basics
Most hospitals use permit systems and zoned staff lots. Some provide overnight or on-call parking areas and employee shuttles from satellite lots or affiliated housing. Confirm current policies with Penn State Health Parking Services, Human Resources, or GME. Public transit via Capital Area Transit serves parts of the Hershey–Harrisburg region, but routes and hours vary, and late-night service can be limited. Rideshare options operate locally, although response times may be slower overnight, so keep a backup plan.
Everyday conveniences near your home
Choosing a home is about more than the commute. A few everyday services can improve your week when your schedule is tight.
- Pharmacies with extended hours. Confirm nearby options such as CVS, Rite Aid, or Walgreens, and check hours that match your shift.
- Full-service groceries. Aim for quick access to Giant, Weis, or Wegmans in the broader area, especially if you shop between shifts.
- Childcare and schools. If applicable, review daycare availability and school district boundaries. Central Hershey is served by Derry Township School District. Confirm enrollment policies and transportation before you sign a lease or purchase.
- Convenient care. Nearby urgent care or pharmacy clinics are useful for non-emergency needs. You can also use services at the Medical Center as appropriate.
- Fitness and recreation. Hershey’s trails, parks, and fitness studios support stress relief and wellness. A 24-hour gym or nearby trail can make a difference on off-days.
- Lighting and awareness. For late nights, consider well-lit streets and established routes to your front door. Check local police crime maps and community updates for current information.
How to verify and take next steps
A little upfront research can save time later. Use these steps to confirm your choice:
- Use 500 University Drive as your map destination. Run live drive-time checks from candidate addresses at your actual shift hours.
- Walk the route in the evening. Confirm lighting, cell coverage, and parking access.
- Call Penn State Health HR or GME. Ask about employee or trainee housing lists, parking permits, shuttle details, and on-call logistics.
- Evaluate lease needs. If you have a short rotation, prioritize flexible terms. If you plan to stay, compare monthly rent versus the cost of buying.
- Work with a local guide. A nearby agent can help you compare neighborhoods, coordinate tours around your schedule, and line up short-term options if you need to land quickly.
If you want a smooth start near the Medical Center, our team can help you balance commute time, budget, and convenience. Team Becker Realtors is a locally rooted, Keller Williams–affiliated team with a dedicated relocation concierge for medical professionals. We will map routes, preview options, and schedule tours that fit your call calendar. Connect with David Becker to start a focused search.
FAQs
What neighborhoods are most likely under 15 minutes to the Medical Center?
- Central Hershey in Derry Township and nearby Hummelstown are the best starting points for consistent under-15-minute commutes, especially in off-peak hours.
How does traffic around Hershey Medical Center affect commute times?
- Peak commuter windows, hospital shift changes around 7 am and 7 pm, school traffic, and seasonal Hersheypark events can add minutes, so test your route during your actual shift hours.
Are there rental options for 6 to 12 months near campus?
- Yes, traditional apartments and some furnished or short-term rentals exist in the area, and employer-affiliated lists may be available through Penn State Health HR or GME.
What roads will I likely use from nearby towns to campus?
- Common routes include US 322, PA 39, and PA 743, with campus approaches on University Drive and Hersheypark Drive, plus I 83 if you are coming from western suburbs.
How can I evaluate a home’s commute for early or late shifts?
- Run live navigation tests from the address at 5:30 to 6:30 am, 6:30 to 7:30 pm, and around midnight, and note delays or closures on your primary and alternate routes.
Is public transit realistic for late-night shifts in Hershey?
- Capital Area Transit serves parts of the region, but late-night service is limited; for overnight shifts, driving or employer shuttles may be more reliable, with rideshare as a backup.
